Twenty-nine states enacted 75 mental health bills in 2025, driven by federal parity requirements and workforce shortages. Georgia, Alaska, Oklahoma, and Washington passed parity compliance measures responding to federal MHPAEA implementation. New Mexico prioritized behavioral health through dedicated trust funds and eliminated cost-sharing. Texas expanded loan repayment programs up to $180,000 for psychiatrists, while Maryland established statewide 9-8-8 crisis systems.

Connecticut Governor Lamont signed comprehensive healthcare reform including mental health parity reporting and step therapy prohibitions. Iowa and Montana submitted federal waivers for Medicaid work requirements, seeking 100 and 80 monthly hours respectively. Oklahoma's Governor Stitt issued an executive order implementing "Make America Healthy Again" initiatives, including SNAP waivers to exclude soft drinks and ending public water fluoridation endorsements. Maine's legislature passed PDAB expansion legislation, but Governor Mills postponed her decision until January 2026.

As legislative sessions wind down across the country, attention turns to the executive branch as governors make decisions on bills passed by the legislature. In the past month, various governors have taken action on significant healthcare legislation by signing, vetoing, or allowing bills to become law.

Over the past two months, governors across the country have laid out key policy priorities for the next year in their State of the State addresses. This year, the majority of governors have made healthcare a key issue with several highlighting behavioral health, workforce, and affordability as priorities.